Be a DHS VAN FAN!!!

                      

                          Be a hero to a homeless animal 
Become a DHS Van Fan by donating to our campaign
Have you ever heard of The Delta Humane Society (DHS)? Casey Lattimer and her friend, TV Anchor Heather Wright started it in 2008.  Casey is a native of Maryland where she lived and worked for many years in the Canine/Equine community.  After moving here in 2008, she realized the lack of resources for helping neglected and unwanted animals in our area.  Through a mutual friendship and love of animals,  Casey and Heather founded DHS.

Andrea and I are volunteers for DHS.  We have both worked with many animal rescue groups and have found DHS to be an animal rescue with an impressive record in helping animals.  Why?  Because of several factors.

1.  They are a foster ONLY organization.  This means their animals live with families whenever possible, rather than kenneled 24/7.  When animals are part of a family, they learn skills that help them get adopted quicker!  DHS averages over 100 animals in foster...more than the capacity of the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter!
2.  DHS is responsible for all cost that the fosters might have, such as food, vet care, equipment, etc, and supplies constant support and advise to foster families.
3.  DHS has a core group of trained volunteers that work tirelessly as well as support an guidance from Dr Rick Lefebvre and Dr. Nan Talley.
4. DHS always has the best interest of the animal at heart, and acts accordingly.
5. DHS has strict adoption guidelines and will not compromise
6.  DHS does not allow a dog to be adopted unless it is heartworm negative or with a written contract from the adopter that it will be treated at DHS's expense and under their supervision.
7.  And most importantly, because of Casey's extensive contacts and excellent reputation in the rescue community here and the Northeast, DHS is able to place their rescues in other parts of the country where they have a much greater chance of adoption!

HOW does she do this?

Casey and DHS volunteers transport their rescued animals to new homes by renting a cargo van and driving the animals north.  In Casey's area the only cargo van available is a small van through Enterprise car rental.   Often, a van is not available, even after being reserved!  In addition, the cost of the van rental and fuel for the trip limits how often DHS can make a trip.  
A transport is a HUGE undertaking.  It involves getting all of the animals placed with our partner rescues and a date set for delivery.  The animals must be seen by a veterinarian for health exams (at great expense) which is mandatory when crossing state lines,  before the transport occurs.  The van must be set up with crates, food, suppplies and the necessary items for a trip that often takes from 1 to 3 days and covers 2500 to 4300 miles, depending on their destination.  NONE of this can be done without a vehicle.  

Instead of renting a smaller van which is not ideal to their purpose and often not available after all plans are made, it is DHS's vision to purchase one of their own.  The photo on this page is of the vehicle that would suit all their needs.  This van is much larger than the available rental van and could be used when needed for other purposes such as; trips to the vet, foster homes, adoption events, picking up donations, and carrying equipment to public events.  But most importantly, this van could transport the rescues to their new forever families by placing them with partner rescues in the northeast.  Almost twice as many dogs could be transported EACH trip for LESS COST PER TRIP than using a rental van.  Last year DHS helped over 300 dogs find their forever homes up north.  With a van of their own and able to make their own scheudule (not being dependent on rental companies) the number of animals DHS can help IS AT LEAST 3 TIMES THAT, PERHAPS LIMITLESS!!!!  HOW EXCITING IS THAT???!!!!

So,  animal lovers, please help us help our furry friends!  Please donate to our Gofundme account today or through PayPal ([email redacted]) and help the neglected and unwanted  animals in our area.  Please tell your friends and share this page.  No amount is too small or large!  The Delta Humane Society is a recognized 501c3 charitable organization, which means your contributions are tax deductable!  100% of your donation will be used to purchase a van!

If you need references from vets, fosters, transporters, adopters, or anyone else, please feel free to contact Andrea or myself at [email redacted].  We will be happy to provide any validation you need and answer any questions you might have.  Andrea and I do not have any investment in DHS other than volunteering our time to an organization that we believe in.  Let's work together to make 2016 the year of the VAN for DHS!

Thank you and God Bless you all,

Andrea Wright, DHS Fundraising Coordinator
Dawn Eakin, Chairperson, Van Purchase Committee

Delta Humane Society of Louisiana, Inc.
EIA # 26-3900505